Algerian Green Bean and Lamb Tagine

Name: Algerian Green Bean and Lamb Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 4-6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons oil; 2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 inch chunks; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon salt, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon saffron (I used 1/4 tsp each) or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (I used 1/4 tsp each); 4 cups water; 1 1/2 lbs green beans, cut into 2 inch pieces (I used frozen); 2 tomatoes, diced or 2 tomatoes, sliced into rounds; 1 medium onion, sliced in rings; 4 tablespoons parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Submitted by Roosie

"Since trying Chia's Recipe #89278 we discovered just how yummy North African food is! This recipe is from the "The Great Book of Couscous". I have adapted it slightly as I do not like the taste of raw/undercooked tomatoes, but I have also included the original directions. Simple, tasty and hearty- great served over, surprisingly enough, couscous. Enjoy!"

Download

Ready In:: 1hr 40mins
Ingredients:: 15
Serves:: 4-6

ingredients

3 tablespoons oil
2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
¹⁄₄ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¹⁄₂ teaspoon saffron (I used 1/4 tsp each) or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (I used 1/4 tsp each)
4 cups water
1 ¹⁄₂ lbs green beans, cut into 2 inch pieces (I used frozen)
2 tomatoes, diced or 2 tomatoes, sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, sliced in rings
4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin

directions

Heat oil in a large saucepan or soup pot.
Add the lamb, onion and garlic and sauté until lamb is browned.
Add the salt, pepper, 1 tsp cumin, cayenne and saffron or turmeric and sauté a minute more.
The original recipe calls for the sliced tomatoes to be added with the second onion/parsley/cumin; if you would rather do it this way, do not add them in the following step.
Add water and tomatoes (if using here) and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes.
Add the green beans and simmer for about 10 minutes more, until almost tender.
Add the sliced onion, tomatoes (if using here), parsley and remaining 1 tsp cumin.
Simmer for about 10 minutes more.
Serve hot over couscous.

Questions & Replies

Got a question? Share it with the community!

Reviews

I thought it was a bit bland and too watery ... should have added tomato paste and extra herbes...

Martine in Tremelo
Very good. I used canola oil, bone in lamb shoulder but I pre simmered it in water with a white loomi (Iraqi dried lime) After is was tender about 1 hour, skimming the liquid at the beginning as necessary (which I used later for the water called for in this and for cooking rice to serve with this dish) I used sea salt. I used a little saffron less than called for but would use the full amount next time. Because of that I added a little turmeric but wouldn't do so next time. For the water I used the lamb broth I made from simmering the bone in lamb shoulder and loomi. I used frozen beans with success and would do so again. For the tomatoes I used canned plum tomatoes and pureed them in the blender in about double the amount as we like lots of sauce. I also added 3 tbs tomato paste at this point as well. I followed the recipe posters directions in adding the chopped onion at first rather than sliced onion & tomatoes later which I would do again. I will make this again.

UmmBinat
What a great dish! I have made this several times now and it always turns out well. I follow the recipe exactly except I add the beans (fresh) after step five which gives them a much longer cooking time ~ just husband's preference. A delicious, tasty tagine with a wonderful flavour. Thank you for sharing

Umm Ishaq
Lovely. We used frozen green beans. If you used boxed couscous, you may want to make 2 boxes - perfect counterpoint for the flavorful lamb and it goes fast (we used Near East roasted garlic couscous).

kimberlynewport
Algerian comfort food?? My husband and I both loved this dish. I made a half recipe which yielded 4 generous servings. Used fresh green beans, added the tomatoes in step 5 (they were very well- cooked at the end), and served over couscous-delicious! Thanks for posting, Roosie.

FlemishMinx